THOUSANDS of potentially lethal black market cigarettes have been seized in drugs raids.

Officers acting on information targeted three addresses and uncovered a haul of drugs including 25,000 contraband cigarettes.

Cleveland Police last night warned people about the dangers of illegal cigarettes.

Detectives with the Stockton drugs unit have described the haul as a substantial find, but highlighted the dangers of illegal cigarettes that make it on to the streets.

Detective Sergeant Tom Drysdale said: "There are clearly illegal cigarettes circulating the streets in this area.

"I can't stress enough how dangerous they can be, with twice or even three times the normal amount of nicotine and other dangerous toxins such as arsenic.

"The quality is extremely poor."

Director of Public Health at North Tees Primary Care Trust, Tocks Sangowawa, said last night: "As well as the normal health risks associated with smoking, contraband cigarettes pose added dangers, in that no-one knows what is exactly in them."

During the raids on Tuesday, crack cocaine with a street value of £6,500 was uncovered at three addresses in Thornaby, as well as several thousand pounds in cash and £200 of cannabis resin.

Three addresses were targeted in the Diamond Road area of Thornaby at 4pm on Tuesday.

HM Revenue and Customs head of detection in the North-East, John Kinghorn, said: "Together with Cleveland Police, we will track down the illegal minority who persist in attempting to smuggle these goods.

"Smuggling deprives public services, such as schools and hospitals, of vital funding that goes straight into the criminals' pockets instead of into these crucial services."

A 47-year-old man has been released on police bail.